Ah, the Reese’s Peanut Butter Earthquake Cake! If you’re a fan of combining rich chocolate and creamy peanut butter (who isn’t?), this is the recipe that will become your ultimate comfort treat. Perfect for a cozy night in, special gatherings, or just to brighten up a Tuesday, this dessert is not only delicious but also incredibly easy to whip up.
So, let’s dive into why this cake deserves a place in your kitchen, kicking off those sweet cravings and bringing a little love into your life—because let’s face it, who doesn’t need that sometimes?
Why You’ll Love This Reese’s Peanut Butter Earthquake Cake
Imagine a cake that combines a moist chocolate base with melty peanut butter cups hiding in every delectable slice. That soft, creamy filling paired with the cake’s fudgy texture creates an eruption of flavors that’s sure to put a smile on anyone’s face. It’s like a party in your mouth—and everyone is invited! Plus, no one will ever guess how simple the recipe is. Give it a try, and you’ll find yourself with a new go-to dessert for those moments when you want to impress without the effort.
Ingredients
Let’s gather what you need to create this flavorful chaos:
- 1 box chocolate cake mix (the simple stuff works wonders!)
- 1 cup water
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil (or melted butter, if you prefer!)
- 3 large eggs
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 8 oz cream cheese (softened to room temp because, let’s face it, nobody wants a lumpy filling)
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1 cup Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups (roughly chopped, because we’re all about that chunky goodness!)
- 1/2 cup chocolate chips (optional, but highly recommended—chocolate is love!)
Steps to Create Your Earthquake Cake
Ready to unleash your inner baker? Let’s go!
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking pan. This cake means business!
- In a mixing bowl, combine the chocolate cake mix, water, vegetable oil, and eggs. Whisk until the mixture is smooth, which translates to about 2 minutes of mixing. It’s okay if a little drizzle of batter escapes the bowl—no tears, just deliciousness!
- In another bowl, beat together the cream cheese, powdered sugar, and creamy peanut butter. You should see a lovely, velvety consistency forming. Resist the urge to eat it all straight from the bowl (but we definitely won’t judge if you sneak a taste!).
- Now, pour half of the chocolate batter into your prepared cake pan, spreading it evenly. Next, drop dollops of the peanut butter mixture on top. Don’t worry about being neat; let the messy beauty shine!
- Gently pour the remaining chocolate batter over the top and use a spatula to spread it out so it covers the peanut butter layer. Sprinkle the chopped Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups and chocolate chips on top. Because more chocolate always helps!
- Bake for 35-40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. The magic of the earthquake cake is that it will puff up slightly but then may sink back down a bit—don’t fret, that’s part of its charm!
- Allow to cool, then slice, serve, and watch the smiles appear. You can even top with a scoop of vanilla ice cream if you’re feeling indulgent. Why not treat yourself?
Cooking Tips
Here’s a little nugget of wisdom from my kitchen to yours: Don’t stress if your cake looks a little messy when it comes out of the oven. Seriously, this recipe is all about that delicious chaos vibe! And if the batter sticks to the toothpick—just call it melty goodness and dive right in; that’s what dessert is all about!
FAQs About Reese’s Peanut Butter Earthquake Cake
Can I substitute the cream cheese?
Absolutely! For a lighter option, Greek yogurt works well, or you could use whipped cream for a fluffier texture.
How do I store leftovers?
Store any remaining cake in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. It holds up surprisingly well!
Can I frozen the cake?
Yes! Wrap individual slices in foil and freeze for up to 2 months. When you’re ready, simply thaw or pop in the microwave for a quick heat-up.
Wrapping It Up
Whether you whip up this Reese’s Peanut Butter Earthquake Cake for a gathering or treat yourself after a long day, it’s sure to bring a touch of joy to your table. Trust me, every bite will have you floating on a cloud of chocolate-peanut butter bliss—it’s like a hug from the inside out!
After making this beauty, don’t forget to check out my other delicious dessert recipes like
Caramel Peanut Ritz Cracker Treats Recipe
or
Peanut Butter Cup Pie Recipe
. Let’s keep the deliciousness rolling!
Happy baking, everyone! 🌟
PrintReese’s Peanut Butter Earthquake Cake
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A rich chocolate cake with creamy peanut butter filling and chunks of Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups, perfect for gatherings or treating yourself.
Ingredients
- 1 box chocolate cake mix
- 1 cup water
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil (or melted butter)
- 3 large eggs
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 8 oz cream cheese (softened)
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1 cup Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups (roughly chopped)
- 1/2 cup chocolate chips (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13 inch baking pan.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the chocolate cake mix, water, vegetable oil, and eggs. Whisk until smooth for about 2 minutes.
- In another bowl, beat together the cream cheese, powdered sugar, and creamy peanut butter until velvety.
- Pour half of the chocolate batter into the prepared cake pan, then drop dollops of the peanut butter mixture on top.
- Pour the remaining chocolate batter over and spread to cover the peanut butter layer. Sprinkle with the chopped Reese’s and chocolate chips.
- Bake for 35-40 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. Allow to cool, slice, and serve, optionally with vanilla ice cream.
Notes
This recipe embraces a deliciously messy vibe; don’t worry if it looks chaotic! Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 30g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 50mg